Contents:

This web page provides supporting documents for the discussion on the Citrus Canker Technical Advisory Task Force (CCTATF or "Task Force") and the Citrus Canker Risk Assessment Group (CCRAG), as provided in Chapters 1 and 9 of the book.

In addition to the Task Force, there were various working groups within the Task Force which are described briefly in the book. The names of the members of the Task Force are provided as of February 12, 1999 Press Release. Additional information is provided in my book.

Generally, the Task Force meetings were attended by officials from the governmental agencies, University of Florida/IFAS and various citrus industry organizations. The Task Force Meeting minutes were provided by FDACS- Department of Plant Industry.

A smaller group, the Citrus Canker Risk Assessment Group, predated the formation of the Task Force. The CCRAG produced "meeting reports" rather than minutes of the meeting. Normally, the CCRAG met to approve requests from growers on variances from the eradication policy. However, on May 11, 1999 meeting. the group recommended the 1900-ft rule for residential removals in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

The 9th Meeting of the CCRAG states that the group had the first meeting in 1995. However, the Department could not locate any report prior to 1998.

The minutes and reports are low quality scanned copies. This is unfortunately the manner in which the Department provided these documents.

Related Chapters in book: Chapter 1 and 9

It appears from the Task Force meetings minutes, the Department was trying to sell the 1900-ft rule as late as November 16, 1999, even though they contend the stakeholders had decided on this distance in a December 1998.

May 14, 1999, General Task Force Minutes:

Craig Meyer: None of us can think that we can go to Dade County and cut 1900 feet immediately or in the near future. This would have the effect of pretty much removing all citrus trees from most of these neighborhoods... In addition to the impact from the citizenry down there, if we start to cut 1900 ft, we are not prepared to do that today and we don't have the resources.

Nov 16, 1999 General Task Force Minutes:

Craig Meyer: Once we get the cutting done in that area, it is three quarters of a mile we never have to look at again except periodic grave-by and pick up a citrus tree if replanted and the spout issue we will need to deal with. By extending the eradication area, we reduce the survey need.

A presentation was made by Dr. Gottwald, showing the relation of storm events to increases in citrus canker within residential areas. Following this preseentation, the following comments were made:

Tim [Dr. Timothy Gottwald] said he is going to make a plea and it is that going to 125 feet isn't going to do it, nor will 800 ft. If you want to have an effect you will have to take out much more out. Normal rain storm events can spread the disease 1900 ft. (Page 8 of minutes)

Richard Gaskalla: You can't piece meal it because if you do, you are just stringing it out. Richard also said if you go into a quarter section and remove all the trees, that is a quarter section that you don't have to go back into.

Note a quarter section is 160 acres, but from the context of the discussion, it is clear Mr. Gaskalla was discussing the need for a 1900-ft radius.